Northern CAN Commits To Strengthening Christian–Muslim Relations

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has vowed to strengthen Christian and Muslim relationships in the North.

The chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, during a dinner ceremony in Kaduna yesterday with CAN chairmen, secretaries, and other religious leaders, said his leadership will engage the Muslim counterpart in finding lasting solutions to issues surrounding the Christians—solutions to issues around the Christians and Muslim relationship in Northern Nigeria.

“We are working to see how there will be a new face in Northern Nigeria, a face of love, respect, togetherness, unity, collaboration and togetherness. We will change this north and make it an enviable place. This is a region that is blessed.

“These religious and ethnic divides have caused us so much; we have had enough. We will look for people of like minds across religion to come up with positive and something better for our people,” he said.

Hayab reaffirmed the association’s commitment to truth, inclusivity, and addressing challenges hindering the region’s progress.

According to Hayab, CAN’s new leadership will advocate for Christians, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.

He urged the Christian communities to prioritise unity and collaboration for sustainable development.

“We will remain a voice for Northern Christians, defenders of truth, and speakers of truth to power. However, we will do so with love and understanding,” he said.

The chairmen and secretaries unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Rev. Hayab’s leadership and urged Pam Yakubu to stop parading himself as CAN chairman.

They criticised the previous CAN leadership under Rev. Yakubu Pam and secretary Elder Sunday Oibe for exceeding their tenure by two years and nine months, urging them to act maturely and avoid dragging the Christian body into unnecessary disputes.

The youth leader, Northern CAN, Evangelist Musa Misal, reaffirmed youth support for Hayab and called on Pam and Oibe to accept the transition in good faith. He demanded that all Northern CAN properties across the 19 states and the FCT be handed over to the new leadership immediately.

“The youth stand firmly with the new leadership and will give him their total support. This is the kind of leader we have long desired”.

The event had in attendance the secretary general of the Northern CAN, Bishop Mohammed Naga (Borno State); the Director of Legal and Public Affairs, Dr Barr. Grace Kaka (Bauchi State); and the Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith, Rev. Godwin Adole (Sokoto State).

The director of planning, research, and strategy, Rev. Emeka Obianyor; the director of youth, women, and education, Rev. Fr. Ngbea Gabriel (Benue State); and the Northern CAN vice chairman, Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson, who is also the chairman of CAN North Central Zone, were also present.

Others include the former ECWA general secretary worldwide, Rev. Yunusa Madu; the president of the Pentecostal Bishops Forum and president of the Seat of God Ministries, Kaduna, Bishop Ademola Idowu Tinuoye.